Last season's Six Nations breakthrough star Fabio Semenzato will get his first start for Italy in this season's competition in place of the injured Edorado Gori against Wales at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on Saturday.
The scrumhalf is one of seven changes to the Italian team for the trip to the competition favourites, as French coach Jacques Brunel ripped apart the formation thumped 42-10 by Ireland.
Australian-born Kris Burton takes over from Tobias Botes at flyhalf following the South Africa-born No.10's erratic performance with the boot against Ireland.
Racing Metro wing Mirco Bergamasco and centre Gonzalo Canale of Clermont both return to the threequarter positions to bring more experience to the team.
In the forwards lock Cornelius van Zyl, another South African, Racing Metro prop Andrea Lo Cicero and flank Simone Favaro all come in.
Italy: 15 Andrea Masi, 14 Luke McLean, 13 Gonzalo Canale, 12 Alberto Sgarbi, 11 Mirco Bergamasco, 10 Kris Burton, 9 Fabio Semenzato, 8 Sergio Parisse (captain), 7 Simone Favaro, 6 Alessandro Zanni, 5 Cornelius van Zyl, 4 Quintin Geldenhuys, 3 Lorenzo Cittadini, 2 Leonardo Ghiraldini, 1 Andrea Lo Cicero.
Replacements: 16 Tommaso D'Apice, 17 Fabio Staibano, 18 Marco Bortolami, 19 Robert Barbieri, 20 Tobias Botes, 21 Tommaso Benvenuti, 22 Giulio Toniolatti.
Date: Saturday, March 10
Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 14.30 (14.30 GMT)
Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Peter Fitzgibbon (Ireland), Peter Allan (Scotland)
TMO: Graham Hughes (England)
AFP
Gilbert has released a new line of rugby cleats. The Gilbert Virtuo 8S is part of the exciting new product. Check it out.
The Barbarians are one of the top invitational rugby sides with a long history and classic rugby jersey.
The Nike Tiempo is a solid rugby cleat and one of few styles still made from full-grain natural leather.
The Lions get ready for their matches with this green training jersey. It's what the players wear. Get in the Gear!
A cool looking all black rugby cleat with the high performance adidas is known for. Get in the Gear!
Wear the crest of the British and Irish Lions on your t-shirt. A great look for the summer.
$29.99
The Lions are ready to get their Australia tour underway. They arrive in Perth on Monday.
The New Zealand All Blacks training jersey for 2013/14. Get in the Gear!
The USA Rugby Pro Alternate rugby jersey is perfect for any fan of the Eagles. Get yours to wear during the summer Test matches.
The NEW All Blacks 2013/14 jersey has arrived at World Rugby Shop. Dare to wear the colors of the All Blacks.
